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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

My recent genealogical activity continues to revolve around the early career of my black sheep cousin, Harry PIERPONT (1902-1934). I'm finding fascinating research material in newspaper accounts of the bank robberies he and his gang pulled off in east-central Indiana in the 1924-25 period.

My dad has been putting together a booklet of newspaper articles and other web sources about Harry for our next family reunion. Already some of my cousins have expressed interest in the fact that we have a famous, albeit criminal relative. Why doesn't anyone get as excited about the teachers, farmers and doctors in the family?

Over the weekend, I managed to obtain 42 pages of newspaper accounts of robberies while searching at the Marion Public Library. These robberies occurred in Marion, Converse, Upland and Noblesville in the fall of 1924. I knew the date of one robbery was November 26th, and I followed the story forward until the end of the reel, which was December 31st. Just researching in one newspaper, the Marion Leader-Tribune, I was able to obtain the 42 pages and learn of the robberies, and by the end of 1924, the arrest of three members of Harry's gang.

I look forward to my return to the library to seek out viewpoints covered in the Marion Chronicle, as well as follow the story up through Harry's capture in March, 1925 in Detroit.

There is much blog fodder for future "Black Sheep Sunday" posts, as well as data to update Harry's Wikipedia entry. The fascinating story of Harry goes well beyond the Dillinger connection. Without Harry's tutelage, no one would know the name of John Dillinger today.

A.R. LeMaster, of North Meridian street, received a message this morning informing him of the death of his brother, Dr. O.O. LeMaster, at Sidney, Ohio, about 5:30 o'clock this morning. Dr. LeMaster was operated on last Saturday for obstruction of the bowels, which later caused his death.

Dr. LeMaster was a former Jay county "boy", being reared on a farm in Madison township near Salamonia. He received his education in the Jay county schools after which he taught a few terms of school. He then attended medical college at Columbus, Ohio. After graduating there he engaged in the practice of medicine at Kettlershill, Ohio [sic], later moving to Sidney, Ohio where he has been associated with his brother, Dr. Vernon W. LeMaster in the practice of medicine for more than 20 years. He was 61 years of age at the time of his death.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 o'clock p.m. (Ohio time) at Sidney. Interment will be at Sidney.

A number of Portland and Jay county relatives will attend the funeral services.

Sunday’s Obituary – if you have obituaries of family members and ancestors, consider posting them along with other information about that person as part of Sunday’s Obituary. This is an ongoing series developed by Leslie Ann at Ancestors Live Here.

Kokomo, Ind. March 27 – Police were thrown off the trail of four bandits who held up and robbed the South Kokomo bank of $4,000 in cash and a like amount of Liberty bonds about 1:45 o’clock this afternoon, when the conspicuous blue car used by the bandit to make their escape was found this evening concealed in a slough about five miles southwest of the city. A farmer reported that he saw the bandits, about seven in number, change to two small cars, a coupe and a sedan.

The bandits entered the bank singly. While the first was having a $10 changed, the second entered and waited at the cashier’s window. The third suddenly displayed a gun and ordered A.E. Gorton, cashier; Miss Winifred Dimitt, assistant cashier, and Miss Frances Gorton into the rear room. Gorton was forced, with a pistol at the back of his head to open the inner vault. “Speedy,” a small terrier, boldly attacked the burglar’s ankle, and was kicked into the basement.

Stolen From Fort Wayne

The bandits’ car was stolen from Fort Wayne Thursday night, and carried the license plates of a phaeton, belonging to Barrett M. Woodsmall, of Indianapolis, stolen from there on March 11 and found here riddled with bullets Thursday night.

The hold-up was watched by three young men in a drug store across the street from the bank, but they were prevented from calling police because of fear of a stranger who stood in the store and watched them closely. The alarm was not sounded until the bandits had escaped with the money.

---

This perspective of the Kokomo robbery, which sent my cousin Harry PIERPONT (1902-1934) to prison, was interesting in that it added details not found in other accounts. The fact that the robber kicked the poor dog, just makes them downright mean. This article was researched at the Elwood, Indiana Public Library.

Black Sheep Sunday – create a post with the main focus being an ancestor with a “shaded past.” Bring out your ne’er-do-wells, your cads, your black widows, your horse thieves and tell their stories. And don’t forget to check out the International Black Sheep Society of Genealogists (IBSSG). This is an ongoing series at GeneaBloggers.

Friday, June 24, 2011

We have grown asparagus for several years. It involves digging a bed and putting in sand,etc. However, our second bed we did not dig a deep bed and it is doing fine. I do recommend mulching as weeds will take over. I also recommend you read up on planting in your area. It is recommend that you not cut until the second year. Cut the spears with the bud tips are tight. Store standing up in the refrigerator in about 1 inch water until ready for use. I can pick asparagus May-June. If we have have an abundance, I can it for the winter. We usually like to eat it grilled with a olive oil and sprinkled with salt and lemon pepper sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese. Of course I'm always trying new ways to fix asparagus and I have included this one that I'm sure I will make again.

Orzo with Bacon and Asparagus

Makes 3 servings

This skillet dinner has it all--orzo, bacon, and asparagus blended in a quick meal that's ready in 35 minutes. A tasty dish I discovered when looking for something different that uses asparagus. It can be served with another meal such as grilled chicken breast.

Family Recipe Friday – is an opportunity to share your family recipes with fellow bloggers and foodies alike. Whether it’s an old-fashioned recipe passed down through generations, a recipe uncovered through your family history research, or a discovered recipe that embraces your ancestral heritage share them on Family Recipe Friday. This series was suggested by Lynn Palermo ofThe Armchair Genealogist.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

From the Colorado State Archives, I was able to obtain copies of the divorce papers of my paternal great-granduncle, William Clifford LeMASTER, who married Lella Edith LEWIS on August 20, 1892 in Jay County, Indiana. After living in Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio for a number of years, they moved west to Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado before 1910. William filed for divorce in Teller County, Colorado in August 21 1917 - and papers were served to Lella in Los Angeles, California on September 5, 1917.

I hereby accept service in the above entitled cause and acknowledge receipt of a true copy of the summons and complaint. I also waive all right to a trial by jury and consent that the case may go to trial at any time the plaintiff may elect without any notice to me.

You are hereby required to appear in an action brought against you by the above named plaintiff, in the County Court of Teller County, State of Colorado; or, if served out of the State of Colorado, or by publication, within fifty days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of service; or said action may be regularly set for trial the same as though such appearance had been made and issue had been joined on such complaint.

The said action is brought by plaintiff to obtain a decree of divorce, dissolving the bonds of matrimony now existing between plaintiff and defendant, on the ground of desertion as will more fully appear from the complaint in said action to which reference is hereby made and a copy of which is hereto attached.

And you are hereby notified that if you fail to appear, and plead to said complaint as above required, the said plaintiff will apply to the Court for the relief therein demanded.

Given under my hand and the seal of said Court, this 21st day of August A.D. 1917

Comes now the above named plaintiff, by Alvin S. Frank, his attorney, and complains of the defendant and for cause of action alleges:

1.

That plaintiff is and for more than one year last past has been a bona fide resident of the state of Colorado and of the county of Teller.

2.

That plaintiff and defendant were married at Salamonia, Indiana, on the 21st of August, 1892, ever since have been and now are husband and wife. That there were born to plaintiff and defendant as a result of the aforesaid marriage the following minor children, Ralph M. LeMaster, of the age of fifteen years, at present residing with the plaintiff, and William C. LeMaster, Jr., of the age of thirteen years, at present residing with the defendant.

3.

That the defendant deserted plaintiff on the tenth day of July, 1916, and in spite of frequent requests of plaintiff that she return to him and live with him she has continually refused to live with plaintiff as his wife.

4.

That the amount involved in this action does not exceed the sum of two thousand dollars.

Wherefore plaintiff prays that the bonds of matrimony heretofore and now existing between him and defendant be totally and forever dissolved at his costs; that he be given the custody of his minor son, Ralph M. LeMaster and that the defendant be given custody of William C. LeMaster, Jr., and for such other and further orders as to the Court may seem proper in the premises.

Alvin S. Franks [signature]

Attorney for Plaintiff

State of Colorado,

County of Teller, SS.

WILLIAM C. LEMASTER, being first duly sworn upon his oath deposes and says: that he is the plaintiff in the above entitled cause; that he has read the above and foregoing complaint and knows the contents thereof and that the same is true of his own knowledge.

This cause having been brought on to be tried on the 24th day of September A.D. 1917, the plaintiff appearing by Alvin S. Frank, his attorney, and the defendant not appearing, either in person or by attorney, the case not being contested, the cause being tried to the Court without a jury, and the evidence having been duly presented and submitted,

THE COURT DOTH FIND: That the Summons was regularly issued in this cause and served up the defendant by acceptance of service by defendant acknowledged before Earl Newmire, notary public within and for Los Angeles County at Los Angeles, California.

That more than thirty days elapsed after the filing of the complaint herein before the trial of this cause;

That the plaintiff resides in Teller County in the State of Colorado;

That the plaintiff was personally present at the trial;

That at the date of the commencement of this action the plaintiff had been a bona fide resident and citizen of the State of Colorado during the one year next prior to the commencement thereof;

That the plaintiff and defendant were lawfully married on or about the 21st day of August, A.D. 1892 and ever since have been and now are husband and wife;

That the plaintiff and defendant have two minor children as the issue of said marriage; to-wit: Ralph E. LeMaster and William C. LeMaster, Jr.

That the said Ralph M. LeMaster is of the age of fifteen years and is residing with the plaintiff, and that the said William C. LeMaster, Junior, is of the age of thirteen years and is residing with the defendant.

That the said plaintiff, William C. LeMaster, is a fit and proper person to have the care and custody of the said Ralph M. LeMaster, and that the said defendant, Lella E. LeMaster, is a fit and proper person to have the care and custody of the said William C. LeMaster, Junior, and it is so ordered by the Court, and it is further ordered that the plaintiff may have the privilege of visiting with the said William C. LeMaster, Jr., for a period of not to exceed three weeks in each year and that the defendant shall have the privilege of visiting with the said Ralph M. LeMaster for a period not to exceed three weeks in each year.

That by competent evidence it has been established that defendant deserted plaintiff more than one year prior to the filing of the complaint in the above entitled cause and has failed and refused ever since to live with plaintiff as his wife. That plaintiff is entitled to a decree of divorce.

That the plaintiff shall, at the expiration of six months from the date of filing hereof by the Clerk of this Court, be entitled to a Decree of Divorce, provided these Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law have not been set aside and no motion to set them aside remains unheard and undecided.

This cause this day having been brought on to be heard and more than six months having elapsed since the day on which the findings of fact and conclusions of law were filed herein and said findings of fact and conclusions of law having not been set aside and no motion to set them aside remaining unheard and undecided, and upon motion of A.S. Frank, Esq., attorney, for the said William C. LeMaster, the plaintiff herein and accordance with said findings of fact and conclusions of law,

IT IS ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED by the Court that the bonds of matrimony heretofore and now existing between the said plaintiff William C. LeMaster and the said defendant Lella E. LeMaster be and the same are hereby dissolved and that said parties are, and each of them is, freed and absolutely released therefrom.

AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED by the Court that the sole care, custody and control of the minor child Ralph LeMaster, be and the same hereby is granted to William C. LeMaster, plaintiff herein; and that the sole care, custody and control of the minor child, William C. LeMaster, Jr., be, and the same hereby is granted and given to Lella E. LeMaster, the defendant herein, until the further order of this Court in the premises. And it is further ordered by the Court that said plaintiff have the privilege of visiting with the said William C. LeMaster, Jr., for a period of not to exceed three weeks in each year, and that the defendant shall have the privilege of visiting with the said Ralph LeMaster for a period of not to exceed three weeks in each year.

That the plaintiff have judgment for his costs herein expended to be taxed and execution may issue therefor.

Harry Pierpont, 24 years old who it was alleged was the leader in the robbing of the South Marion State bank and the Upland State bank last fall, was arrested yesterday at Detroit, Michigan, as a suspect in the robbing of the South Side Bank at Kokomo on Friday, March 27. Thaddeus R. Skeer, 23, known as “Sudy” Skeer of Fort Wayne, was also arrested, as was Miss Louise Brunner, also of Fort Wayne, who is being held as a witness.

It was reported that a third man said to me, Everett Bridgewater, also a member of the gang which robbed the Grant county banks, had also been arrested for having taken part in the Kokomo robbery, but this could not be verified last night.

Woman is in Prison

Bridgewater’s wife, Mary, is now serving a term in the women’s prison at Indianapolis for having taken part in the robberies in this county.

The three prisoners have waived extradition and will be brought back to Kokomo, probably today, where the men face charges of bank robbery and petit larceny, warrants of which have already been issued by City Judge Joseph Cripe of Kokomo.

A.E. Garton, cashier of the Kokomo bank, from which more than $10,000 in cash was stolen, went to Detroit yesterday afternoon and identified bonds, amounting to $ 7,000 which were also taken by the robbers. A part of the cash stolen has also been recovered.

Vernon Shaw, a customer who stopped into the Kokomo bank at the time the robbery took place and who was held up and “Chic” Nelson, who was in a drug store across the street from the bank at the time of the robbery, left last evening for Detroit, where they will attempt to identify the prisoners as those who took part in the robbery.

Gives False Name

Pierpont, when arrested at first gave his name as Frank Mason, but later in the day admitted that his name was Pierpont. Detectives from the Pinkerton agency trailed the Brunner woman from Fort Wayne to Detroit, and a short time later the woman and Skeer were arrested, when they met in that city. Pierpont’s arrest followed a short time later.

Deputy Sheriff Woody Smith, who has been working on the case on the supposition that Pierpont and Bridgewater were implicated in the Kokomo robbery, gave a description of Bridgewater to the Detroit police yesterday afternoon, and was told that Mason had admitted that his right name was Pierpont. Deputy Sheriff Smith stated last night that he would go to Kokomo with a warrant for Pierpont and Bridgewater and would try and get the Kokomo authorities to turn them over to him for trial in this county for robbing the Grant county banks.

With the arrest of Pierpont and possibly Bridgewater, the entire gang of robbers who are alleged to have robbed the Grant county banks will have been rounded up, the other five now serving sentences in prison. Mrs. Bridgewater was arrested at her home in Indianapolis and brought back to this city, where she was given a sentence of from two to fourteen years. The other members of the gang, who admitted to being implemented in the robbing of the Upland and South Marion banks, were James Robbins, arrested at Lebanon, the first member of the gang to be arrested; William Behrens, who was arrested at Monticello; Marion (Red) Smith, alias “Springfield Red,” who was arrested at Indianapolis, upon his return from Springfield; George Frazier of Kokomo, who came to Marion and was turned over to the police by his father and Robert Morris of Indianapolis, arrested in that city, all of whom entered pleas of guilty in the circuit court and were given sentences of from ten to twenty years in prison and Mrs. Emily Morris, arrested at Indianapolis with her husband, who also “plead guilty” and was given a sentence of from two to fourteen years.

---

This article from the Marion, Indiana newspaper gives a little different perspective on the arrest of my cousin Harry PIERPONT (1902-1934) for the Kokomo robbery and ties him to bank jobs in Grant County that need further research.

Black Sheep Sunday – create a post with the main focus being an ancestor with a “shaded past.” Bring out your ne’er-do-wells, your cads, your black widows, your horse thieves and tell their stories. And don’t forget to check out the International Black Sheep Society of Genealogists (IBSSG). This is an ongoing series at GeneaBloggers.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

The GRIMES surname is in Eileen's maternal line. The origins of the surname are unknown at this time.

Stories and history:

Ahnentafel # 61: Mary Grimes (1809-1903). Mary was born April 19, 1809 in Middleton, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. She married February 16, 1832 in Champaign County, Ohio to George Sills (1809-1880). George was born December 1, 1809 in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. They raised 6 children in Champaign County, Ohio and Wabash County, Indiana. George died June 9, 1880 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana. Mary died August 21, 1903 in Huntington County, Indiana.

Ahnentafel # 122: Benjamin Grimes (bet1770-80-abt1868). Benjamin was born between 1770 and 1780 in Pennsylvania. He married Catherine Haynes (c1780-aft1864). Catherine was born circa 1780 in Pennsylvania. They had 6 children and lived in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Champaign County, Ohio. Catherine died after August 1864 in Champaign County, Ohio. Benjamin died about 1868 in Champaign County, Ohio.

Surname Saturday – create a post in which you discuss a surname and mention its origins, its geographical location(s) and how it fits into your genealogy research. Surname Saturday is an ongoing series at GeneaBloggers.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Took a little time today to learn how to update information on Wikipedia about my distant relative, Harry Pierpont. Harry has been one of my favorite research subjects of late.

As I've blogged about before, it was Harry's page on Wikipedia that first led me to realize we may have a genealogical connection. Since then I've enjoyed researching articles about his robberies and life of crime. Just this week I managed to locate a few new articles for future Black Sheep Sunday posts.

Because his page was lacking documentation, I decided to add sections on his Execution and Burial. Using information such as his death certificate from FamilySearch site and his tombstone photo at FindAGrave, I added source citations to these sections.

Though I've had an account at Wikipedia for several years, I had never used the account to add information to a page or to create on of my own. The process was relatively easy to do, and I hope to add sections in the future to Harry's page and update information about his Indiana bank robberies.

Update (6/17): Had so much fun that before bed, continued to update Harry's page and added information about three of his early robberies.

The Service Will Be Held At The Methodist Church at Salamonia at 2 P.M.

Mrs. Rachel Cunningham passed away at the home of her son John W. Cunningham West Water street at 2 o'clock Wednesday morning. Mrs. Cunningham has been in failing health for some time but was able to come Sunday from Salamonia, to the home of her son in this city. She was born in Shelby County, Ohio July 16, 1837 and was the daughter of Leuman and Mary Young LeMasters. Her husband William Cunningham died June 4th 1911. She is survived by eight brothers and sisters and the following children: Mrs. David Rants, of Salamonia, Phillip Cunningham of Y--- Nebraska, John Cunningham of this city, Mrs. Lorinda Pauling of Cincinati, Ohio and Mrs. C.E. Beard Dayton Ohio. Funeral services will be held at the Methodist church at Salamonia Friday afternoon at two o'clock. Rev. Pfifer will officiate, the funeral party will leave the residence at twelve o'clock Friday.

---Rachel was my paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, the daughter of Rev. Luman Walker and Nancy (YOUNG) LEMASTERS. She married William E. CUNNINGHAM on March 18, 1860 in Jay County, Indiana. She is buried in the Salamonia Cemetery.

Sunday’s Obituary – if you have obituaries of family members and ancestors, consider posting them along with other information about that person as part of Sunday’s Obituary. This is an ongoing series developed by Leslie Ann at Ancestors Live Here.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Found this great historical archive of photos of the bank where my paternal great-granduncle, William Clifford LeMASTER, was cashier back in the early 1910s. This is an online reproduction of the original 1908 brochure. It is a great view of what the bank looked like at the time.

There is even a photograph that may show W.C. LeMASTER at work. It is the photograph of the "Cashier's Room."

I found it interesting that the bank featured a "Ladies' Waiting Room", complete with amenities to appeal to female customers.

Here is the bank's listing in the United States Congressional serial set of 1907 listing the bank and W.C. LeMaster as cashier on Google books:

Friday, June 10, 2011

My paternal great-granduncle, Ord Otterbein LeMASTER, graduated from Starling Medical College in Columbus, Ohio in 1902. Searching the net for more information about the school, I discovered the following website, which gave a bit of information about Starling and medicinal practices of the early 20th century.

Starling was the first medical teaching college in the United States. Most aspiring physicians just a few years earlier had “read medicine” under the tutelage of a respected physician, much as future lawyers then “read the law.”

Makes you wonder how anyone survived being treated by earlier physicians, doesn't it?

I give to my sons Ralph M. and W.C. LeMaster Jr. and my daughter Lella E. LeMaster the sum of one dollar each.

To my wife Pannel Brown LeMaster I will 25 shares of New Isis Theatre stock and M.W. Kersey notes of 600 - interest one half of stock in Foster Oil Co., and one half in J.W. Carruthers Oil stock.

To my daughter Gladys A. Moser all stocks, bonds & property of every description not mentioned above, including Chevrolet car - and, I request all funeral expenses, be paid jointly by my wife and daughter Gladys - as well as hospital bill, first exhausting any money I may have in bank toward same -

Presented for filing and probate by Pannel B. LeMaster this fifth day of September, A.D. 1922

K.C. Gustin, clerk

---This transcription is of the last will and testament of my paternal great-granduncle, William Clifford LeMASTER (1871-1922). There is much of interest in this will, not the least of which is that he remarried after divorcing his first wife, Lella Edith LEWIS.

In the 1920 census of Victor, Teller County, Colorado, William and his son Ralph were living in the household of Francis Hall, the proprietor of a restaurant. William's occupation was listed as the proprietor of a theatre. Also living in the household was 34 year old Pannill W. BROWN, born in Texas, an organist in the theatre.

Sometime between 1920 and 1922, William and Pannill must have married. I wrote to the clerk's office in Teller County, but was unsuccessful in obtaining a record.

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

In going through my inbox, I re-discovered an email from Jill at Adventures of Grandma Honey, my cousin through the LEMASTER side. Jill and I are third cousins, her great-grandfather William Clifford and my great-grandfather, Luman Cooper LeMASTER(s) were brothers.

Her ancestor "went west" to Colorado and our families have not been in contact for many years. Thank you internet for allow us to reconnect and learn more about each other. I enjoy reading her blog and hope she does the same with mine.

The importance of staying connected hit home when I re-read her initial email to me where she quoted her uncle Don, who knew a bit about the family and after being directed to my blog discovered things he didn't know about the family. One of the most interesting quotes about his knowledge of the family history was this:

"By the time I was born in 1925, both of my grandfathers were dead. My father's father expired in 1901, my mother's father in 1922. I did not learn until many years later that a great-grandfather survived until I was 6! Here he was a Civil War hero and my mother never mentioned him! If my memory is correct, he had 12 children."

Here, just a few generations removed, the fact that a great-grandfather had served in the Civil War was lost to that branch of the family! That is why we do this research - so that other generations do not lose their history.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

While scrolling through Google books on Memorial Day weekend, I came across the Congressional Set list of Civil War pensioners of Jay County, Indiana published in 1883.

Scrolling through the names I discovered several familiar ones, including the following relatives:

William F. METZNER, of Bryant, wounded in the right thigh, receiving $ 6.00 per month, on roll since October 1867. [William was the son of John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER; he served in Company E, 89th Indiana Infantry; after the war he married Mary Ann HALEY, daughter of Sebastian and Lydia (RADER) HALEY.]

Monday, June 06, 2011

Fellow GeneaBlogger Jennifer Wilhelmi of The Erudite Genealogist began following my blog a while back and wrote me regarding the LEMASTER surname to see if we have a connection. She was looking for more information regarding Phebe LEMASTER and Johann JUDY (TSCHUDI) and was hoping I could help.

Above are pages 227-228 from the Lemasters U.S.A. 1639-1965 genealogy compiled by Howard Marshall Lemaster and Margaret Herberger, published at Carlinville, Illinois, 1965. The work does not connect Phoebe to other Lemaster lines, though later works by Ralph Smith place her in the family of Richard Lemaster, son of Isaac and Catherine (Ward) Lemaster.

Though I don't yet have a connection with Jennifer, it is nice to know that the "cousin bait" you create when blogging about your family history can lead to further discussion. Perhaps our dialogue will ultimately end up with a definitive connection.